MANATHOOR
Manathoor is a small village in Kottayam district, aside Pala - Thodupuzha Highway, 12 km from Palai town and 15 km from Thodupuzha town.
It lies aside of Main Eastern Highway (SH-8). It lies In eastern part of Kottayam District and shares its north-eastern border with Idukki District.
It is also known as Pizhaku.
Around 750 families are living here. The majority of the people here are Hindu and Christians. All Religions and Culture live in religious harmony.
The Christian community belongs to Roman Catholic Syrian Christians (RCSC) category. St. Mary's Church Manathoor, Pizhaku is the only church in this village. They follows Syro - Malabar Rite in Qurbana. It is under the Eparchy of Palai. Many ancient families are found here. The community has a Shrine dedicated to Saint Joseph near Manathoor School Junction. During the period of lent The Way of the Cross Procession takes place to the Kurishu Mala in Manathoor - Karimkunnam Road. The birthday of Mother Mary, September 7 and 8 is celebrated as feast days of the Church. The parish has almost 410 families.
The Pizhaku Thrikkayil Sri Krishna Swami temple is very ancient. There was also a Palace associated with the temple. (Pizhakum Kottaram). This is near to Manathoor School junction. SNDP temple was newly constructed and dedicated to Sri Narayana Guru. During Sri Krishna Jayanthi Procession is held. Sapthaha Yajnam is conducted in Month of Nov - Jan. Utsavam falls in the month of January.
The true name of Manathoor village is Pizhaku. The parish name caused this area to be known as Manathoor in 1900s. In all records related to land and surveys, the place name is purely Pizhaku (Pizhakum Kara). The loaction of post office of Pizhaku at Ramapuram Kavala made boosting for the name Manathoor more popular when Ramapuram Kavala came to be known as Pizhaku Junction.
The meaning of Manathoor can be splitted into two words Maanath (meaning: Sky) and Ooru (meaning: Place)
Pampanal Waterfalls
Pampanal Waterfalls is a famous waterfall in Kottayam district, Kerala. Pampanal Falls is located 43 km away from Kottayam & 17 km away from Thodupuzha. During the monsoon season, it gives a amazing view. May - December is the good time to watch this nature's beauty.
Location
Pampanal Falls is situated in Manathoor - Karimkunnam Shortcut Road, a diversion of Pala - Thodupuzha road from Manathoor.
One have to travel 2 km through Manathoor-Karimkunnam Shoortcut road (Opposite of St. Joseph's High School. Manathoor at Pala - Thodupuzha Road). From Manathoor-Karimkunnam Shortcut Road a deviation has to be taken for 500 metres to reach the falls.
Royal Enfield Trivandrum conducted their 49th official ride to Pampanal Waterfalls on 30 October 2016.
By Rail: Kottayam Railway Station is the major railway station closer to Pampanal Falls
By Bus: Frequent buses are available in Thodupuzha - Pala Route. Take Manathoor ticket. From Manathoor hire Autoriksha (approx. 40 rs)
By Road: You can come in your private vehicle less than one km away to Pampanal Falls. (Kottayam -> Pala -> Manathoor -> Pampanal Fals or Thodupuzha -> Karimkunnam -> Pampanal Falls)
